India News

Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan on Saturday assured the journalists delegation that strict actions will be initiated against the attackers of IBN Lokmat offices in Mumbai and Pune.

 

A journalist delegation led by Rajya Sabha member Vijay Darda and CNN-IBN Editor-in-Chief Rajdeep Sardesai met Chavan at his official residence here.

 

The delegation demanded Chavan to make attacks on media a non-bailable offence.

 

Speaking to the media after the meeting Sardesai said: “Chavan has assured us that he will ensure strictest possible action against those behind the attack.”

 

Darda, who heads the Lokmat group, said: “We are confident that there will be prompt action against those who engineered the attack.”

 

“The Chief Minister assured the delegation that no one will be spared if their involvement in the attack was established,” he added.

 

On Friday, a group of Shiv Sena activists ransacked the Marathi news channel IBN Lokmat office in Mumbai and Pune. They assaulted staff members including journalists for carrying reports that allegedly showed Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray in bad light.

Source ANI

New Delhi: Chief of the America’s Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Leon Panetta, met National Security Advisor M K Narayanan here on Saturday.

Panetta, who arrived here late last night after his visit to Pakistan, met for nearly 30-minutes with Narayanan.

Narayanan later accompanied Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to the US.

During his three-day visit to India, the CIA chief will also meet RAW chief K C Verma and Intelligence Bureau Chief Rajeev Mathur.

Source ANI

Mumbai: Just ahead of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks anniversary, the Mumbai Fire Brigade is preparing itself to modernise the force.

 

Speaking to the media Mumbai’s Chief Fire Officer Uday Thatkare said: "We have received the communication processing equipments of Rs 10 crores on September 11. We will incorporate these equipments in Mumbai Fire Brigade within one year.”

 

“Second purchase order has already been given for bulletproof jackets, which will come soon,” he added.

 

Thatkare, who led the Mumbai Fire Brigade in rescuing over 200 people from the Taj Hotel, is thankful to god as none from his team lost life in the action.

 

"I am thankful to god that nobody from our team lost his life. One of our official and a staff got inured, our fire engine was also damaged, which was repaired later,” Thatkare said.

Source ANI

Bodh Gaya (Bihar): Buddhist monks from various parts of the globe offered prayers for world peace here.

 

Scores of monks participated in the prayers that began under the sacred Bodhi tree, where Gautam Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment on Friday.

 

"We are offering these prayers for the world peace particularly in the wake of disturbances in various countries including India," Sonam Dorjee, a monk said.

 

Buddhist scriptures describe it as the "Navel of the Earth", and 100,000 pilgrims and tourists visit every year, packing the town of Bodh Gaya and Mahabodhi Temple.

Source ANI

Ahmedabad: At least five labourers died and one was injured after an underpass caved in at Ahmedabad.
 
The accident occurred at Ellisbridge area of the city last night when the labourers were engaged in digging.

Chief Minister Narendra Modi, who visited the spot, said: "This is a very tragic event. The construction of the underpass is being overseen by the Railways who will conduct a probe. I have ordered the AMC to carry out a separate probe."

"We will compensate family of the deceased as per government norms," he added.

Source ANI

New Delhi: Pavilions from northeast region are doing brisk business at the ongoing 29th India International Trade Fair (IITF) in New Delhi.
 
The pavilion attracts hordes of visitors every year, and this year too, there is no decline in the numbers, as more and more people make a beeline for the pavilions from the northeast region.
 
Decorative items made of bamboos and local handlooms made items are the most sought after at the expo.

Apam Ragui, nodal officer IITF Manipur pavilion, said that business at their stall has picked up really good ever since the famed fair was opened for general public.
 
"The response is more than expected. But during those four days when they had only business entry we have very low sales because very few can buy entry ticket of  400 and can come inside. Of course, we have a few business contact. The sale has come up after 19. It''s doing well," Ragui added.

The 29th edition of the IITF was opened for the general public on Thursday.

The fortnight-long fair is organised annually by the Indian Trade Promotion Organisation and provides a platform for trade promotion and helps facilitate interaction between national and international buyers.

Source ANI

Imphal: By-poll to Yaiskul Assembly constituency in Imphal East district of Manipur would be held on December 19.

Joint Chief Electoral Officer N Prabin said in a statement that the notification for the by-poll was necessitated following the demise of sitting Congress MLA Elangbam Kunjakishore. The notification will be issued on November 25.

The last date for filing of nomination papers and withdrawal of papers would be December 2 and December 5 respectively.

Counting of votes would be taken up on December 23.

This is the third time that Manipur will see a by election during the current 9th Assembly.

Source ANI

Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday renewed his demand for Rs 14800 crore special package for reconstruction of the ravaged Kosi belt and rehabilitation of the victims.

 

Interacting with the media here Kumar said: ''''We want the package as it has become necessary for the Kosi belt ravaged by floods.”

 

Kumar’s demand came barely a couple of days after his meeting with Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia.

 

On Thursday, Ahluwalia promised the state government to look into its demands.

 

But Kumar expressed his unhappiness saying, ''''It is unfortunate that even a year after the tragedy that befell the people of Bihar, the Centre has not come forward with the package.”

 

Kumar’s unhappiness came out as the Centre decided to grant  Rs 7,266 crore package for drought hit Bundelkhand.

Source ANI

New Delhi: Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh will leave for his visit to the United States and Trinidad and Tobago in Air India One Agra on Saturday.

 

Dr. Singh will be travelling in Air India One Agra, a special aircraft for the first time. Earlier, the Prime Minister use to travel in Air India One Tanjore for foreign visits.

 

Air India One (AI-001) is the call-sign of the aircraft with the Prime Minister of India or the President of India on-board. This plane is also known as VIP.

 

A Boeing 747-437B, equipped with jamming equipment, anti-missile systems and air-to-air refuelling facility, is used as Air India One.

 

The Government of India uses Air India and Indian Airlines aircraft for the overseas transportation of its officials. For domestic travel, the Prime Minister and the President use an Indian Air Force Boeing 737-200.

 

Dr. Singh is likely to discuss the issues related to international terrorism, climate change, global economic slowdown, Doha round of trade negotiations, nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation with the US President Barack Obama.

 

Situation in Afghanistan and other regional issues are also expected to figure in the discussions between two leaders.

 

Dr. Singh is also scheduled to meet senior members of the US Cabinet, Senators and Congressmen during his Washington stay.

 

The Indian premier will also attend a business event jointly hosted by the US Chamber of Commerce and the US-India Business Council and interact with members of the India-US CEOs Forum.

 

In Trinidad and Tobago Singh will attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting organised to celebrate 60^th anniversary of Commonwealth.

 

The theme for CHOGM-2009 is “Partnering for a More Equitable and Sustainable Future.”

Source ANI

Manali: At least eight people were killed in a snow storm while trying to cross the 13,050 feet high Rohtang Pass in Kullu district.

According to sources, 67 people were rescued by the district administration who were also among those who crossed Rohtang.

Those who died in the storm are reported to be migrant labourers.

Hundreds of people are still stranded in Lahaul valley due to unexpected early snow fall.

The Rohtang Pass has been closed for traffic since November 9, due to heavy snowfall in the region.

Source ANI

Kanpur: The Green Park Stadium here is all set to host the second cricket test match between India and Sri Lanka from Tuesday.

 

Interacting with the media Uttar Pradesh Principal Secretary (Home) Kunwar Fateh Bahadur said the government has made elaborate security arrangements for the test match.

 

Bahaddur reviewed the security arrangements in and around the stadium along with state’s Director General of Police (DGP) Karmvir Singh and other senior police officials.

 

"We have inspected the security arrangements and we are satisfied with it. All arrangements right from the commencement of the match, during the match till the end of the match have been made. The arrangements made are good and there would be no problems as far as security is concerned," Bahadur said.

 

Earlier this month a special security consultant from Sri Lanka visited India and reviewed the security arrangements at all the venues where the team was scheduled to play.

Source ANI

Bhubaneshwar: Union Home Secretary G K Pillai, said the Maoists are using Chinese made arms and added that they did not enjoy any support from Beijing.

 

Interacting with the media here, Pillai clarified that a similar statement made by him recently, was quoted out of context in a section of media that Beijing was aiding the rebels.

 

"I state very clearly that it was Chinese arms that were coming in, not support from the government of China and that had been made absolutely clear, it is not only because from Myanmar, Bangladesh and so on…arms smuggling is one of the largest businesses in the world," Pillai said.

 

He also reviewed the security preparedness and progress in the anti Maoist operation in the state with senior police officials.

 

Pillai said the state governments were closely interacting with the Centre to tackle the Maoist menace.

 

"There is increase in cooperation among state governments, there is increase in sharing of intelligence among the state police forces and as was decided in the last chief ministers'' conference, state governments are cooperating with each other to try and see how best operations on the border, both bilateral and trilateral junction, are being carried out," he said.

Source ANI

New Delhi: Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh today said that India attaches high priority to its relations with the USA.

In his departure statement, Dr. Singh said, "Our bilateral agenda covers almost all areas of human endeavour.  The United States is our largest trading partner in goods and services, and we have deep economic ties. There is a large Indian American community and robust people-to-people exchanges.  Above all, we share common values and commitment to democracy, pluralism and human rights."

 "The last several years have witnessed a transformation in India-US relations.  Today, they are characterized by greater maturity, depth and convergence of interests.  I look forward to building upon this momentum during my visit," he added.
 
Dr Singh further said a sustained and dynamic India-US partnership is essential if we are to meet the global challenges of the 21st century.

"At the bilateral level, we look forward to building upon our Strategic Dialogue by adding greater substance to our cooperation in areas such as trade and investment, services, energy, science and technology, defence, high technology trade, education, agriculture and health," he added
 
"I also look forward to exchanging views with President Barack Obama on the major global threats and challenges of our times, such as international terrorism, climate change, the global economic slowdown, the Doha round of trade negotiations, and nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation," he said.
 
Dr Singh during his visit will be meeting senior members of the US Cabinet, Senators and Congressmen. He will also attend a business event jointly hosted by the US Chamber of Commerce and the US-India Business Council where members of the India-US CEOs Forum will be present.

"I will also address the Council of Foreign Relations and Woodrow Wilson Centre, where I look forward to interacting with leading opinion makers of the United States. I will meet members of the Indian American community who are playing an important role in fostering closer ties between our two countries," he said.
 
After his visit to Washington, Dr Singh will travel to Port of Spain to attend the meeting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government.

"This is the 60th anniversary year of the Commonwealth. We attach high importance to the role of the Commonwealth in promoting cooperation amongst its members and in engaging the world in shaping a cooperative, equitable and development-friendly world order," he said.

Source ANI

Kanpur: In the age of electronic scoreboards, Kanpur’s Green Park stadium, venue for the second Test between India and Sri Lanka on November 24, is the only stadium in the country to have a manually operated scoreboard and still holding to its own. 

The scoreboard was set up in 1957, and it was used for the first time in the same year when India played against West Indies.

It is functioning as efficiently as the electronic ones and displays all the relevant data of a cricket match.

“This scoreboard enables the viewers to see all the things, including the overs that have been bowled, wickets taken, runs made. Also, there are light indicators for the batsman on the crease and the bowler in action. Everything from the boundaries hit to a six to even the umpires judging the match are mentioned on the board with a light indicators,” said Harvinder Singh, coordinator of the scoreboard.

This unique scoreboard works with 165 pulleys, while a team of 35 people works together to operate it.

Source ANI

The Indian Government has said it is willing to talk to any of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) militants, even give them safe passage so long as they give up violence. Unconditional talks is acceptable to the Centre, the only condition being that ULFA give up the path of terror, said sources.

“Some of these people are in Bangladesh and if they are willing to come to India to hold talks, the Centre will talk to them,” sources said.
 
“There is a minor complication in this, ULFA is a banned group so will the Centre lift the ban because overt talks with banned outfits do not rather have not taken place till today,” they added. 
 
With two recently arrested Ulfa leaders expressing their eagerness for peace talks, speculation is rife that their outfit may also go the NDFB way soon.

As the National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) had signed a ceasefire agreement with the Centre and the state government in May 2005, leaving its chairman, Ranjan Daimary, out of the talks, security think tanks are of the opinion that Ulfa may also initiate peace negotiations without its elusive "commander-in-chief", Paresh Baruah, said a daily.

Sources hinted that Ulfa chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa would be out in the peace stream sooner than later. Rajkhowa is reportedly still holed up in Bangladesh but under surveillance.

 The mood in security and intelligence agencies is upbeat following the arrest of Ulfa''s "foreign secretary" Sashadhar Choudhury and "finance secretary" Chitrabon Hazarika, who are members of the outfit''s powerful central executive committee.

A couple of years before NDFB sat down for talks with the Centre, almost all its top leaders, excluding Ranjan Daimary, had been arrested. They were then released and the organization was reorganised with a new chairman to head the talks. Daimary now heads a faction of NDFB that continues fight for a sovereign Bodo state.

ULFA is currently passing through a similar phase, with most of its 15 central executive committee members in jail. One of them, Robin Handique, died of illness while he was in judicial custody in Tezpur. Another member, Ramu Mech, is on parole trying to recover from illness. Two other members, Ashanta Baghphukan and Robin Neog, are missing since 2003 when Bhutan flushed out Indian rebel outfits from its soil, stated the Daily.

Only Rajkhowa, Baruah, former "deputy c-in-c" Raju Baruah and another member, Jibon Moran, haven''t been caught yet. "If it (peace talks) could start without Ranjan Daimary in the case of NDFB, why not the same for Ulfa," a top state policymaker on security issues quipped. It is only a mater of weeks before Choudhury and Hazarika join their colleagues inside the Guwahati jail.

Choudhury and Hazarika have both been persistent with their statements favouring talks with the government, provided Rajkhowa gives his consent, before interrogators as well as the media. Rajkhowa, on the other hand, had issued a statement a few days ago that he would make his stand clear on the peace initiative soon.

Source ANI

With India raising strong objection to the U.S. suggesting a role for China in South Asia, Beijing seems to be backing away from mediating between India and Pakistan.

According to sources, China has indicated that they appreciate and respect the Indian position and that it will only have bilateral and direct talks with Pakistan and brook no interference.

“On China, we have a bilateral relationship with countries and, we are not interested in a guardianship role with any, and nor will we accept a guardianship role by any country,” said a source.

Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao said “The Chinese have said that they respect our position and support direct talks between India and Pakistan.”

The Chinese establishment seems to have been told that India will not accept any "guardianship role" by any country.

During President Barack Obama’s November 15–18 visit to China, a joint statement on regional and global challenges said: “The two sides welcomed all efforts conducive to peace, stability and development in South Asia. They support the efforts of Afghanistan and Pakistan to fight terrorism, maintain domestic stability and achieve sustainable economic and social development, and support the improvement and growth of relations between India and Pakistan. The two sides are ready to strengthen communication, dialogue and cooperation on issues related to South Asia and work together to promote peace, stability and development in that region.”

India responded aggressively to the purported US-China intent when it made clear that a third party role was not necessary.

Sticking to its stand that no "meaningful dialogue" can take place unless there was a terror-free environment, an External Affairs Ministry spokesperson said: "The Government of India is committed to resolving all outstanding issues with Pakistan through a peaceful bilateral dialogue in accordance with the Simla Agreement.”

“A third country role cannot be envisaged nor is it necessary. We also believe that a meaningful dialogue with Pakistan can take place only in an environment free from terror or the threat of terror."

US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, William Burns, said in Washington that while his country is interested in building better relations with China, it would be at the cost of India.

When asked about President Obama not mentioning India in a major speech about Asia''s role in world affairs, Burns said, "The clearest indication of this was the fact that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh''s visit to Washington next week would be the first hosted by the Obama administration."

"On matters of common international concern, the US looked to China and many other countries," said Burns, who is among the top US officials giving finishing touches to a strategic dialogue framework with India to take their relationship to the next level during the visit.

"We look forward to the completion of the remaining steps on both sides," he said, pointing out that US companies stand to benefit a great deal with the implementation of the nuclear deal.

US Ambassador to India Timothy Roemer told a press conference this week that it was not Washington’s intention to suggest that China could play a role in South Asia.

For the moment, it seems the latest US-China joint statement has proved to be as dead as the India-Pakistan joint statement issued after the Prime Ministers of the two countries – Manmohan Singh and Yusuf Raza Gilani met in the Egyptian resort of Sharm-el-Sheikh in July this year, a non-starter at least with regard to South Asia which will not tolerate Chinese hegemony.

Source ANI

The Indian Government has said that it has a plan in place to deal with the vexed issue of Maoist violence.

According to sources accompanying the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, on his visit to the United States, the plan has a twin objective -- restoring law and order on the one hand, and putting in place development-related projects on the other.

While they admit that this simultaneous action is not bereft of problems, the sources say the Centre feels there is subliminal support from civil society to Maoist groups. There is, however, no divergence of opinion on this score in the highest echelons of power in New
Delhi.

UPA Chairperson and Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Home Minister P. Chidambaram are working jointly on this double-pronged plan, the sources said.

In the recent past, Prime Minister Singh has called the Naxalites "The single biggest internal security challenge” before the country, and this year, he went to the extent of saying that India is "losing the battle against Maoist rebels".

While the Naxalites claim to be supported by poorest of the poor in rural India, they have been known to frequently target tribals, the police and government workers in their quest for securing improved land rights and more jobs for neglected agricultural labourers and the poor.

They have been following a strategy of rural rebellion for more than four decades, projecting it as a “people''s war against the government.”

The rebels claim to operate in 182 districts in about 20 states across India, mainly in Jharkhand, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and West Bengal.

The Naxal-affected areas stretch from India’s border with Nepal in the north and east to Karnataka in the south. Chhattisgarh is regarded as the epicentre of the anti-government rebellion.

Their recent attacks include halting the Rajdhani Express in Midnapore to secure the release of one of their key leaders in West Bengal, Chhatradhar Mahato, a foiled bomb attack on a jail in Sasaram, ambushing and killing 17 policemen in in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra, massacre of civilians, including a 12 year old girl and killing 30 policemen in Chhattishgarh.

Home Ministry statistics reveal that between 1996 and 2008, the Naxalites or Maoists have killed 5438 people with the highest number of casualties taking place in 2008 (938)  and  in 2005 (892).

The gravity of the menace can be judged by remarks made by Union Home Secretary G K Pillai in Bhubaneswar today.

He said the Maoists are using Chinese made arms, but were not enjoying any support from Beijing.

"I state very clearly that it was Chinese arms that were coming in, not support from the Government of China and that had been made absolutely clear, it is not only because from Myanmar, Bangladesh and so on…arms smuggling is one of the largest businesses in the world," Pillai said.

Pillai said the state governments were closely interacting with the Centre to tackle the Maoist menace.

"There is increase in cooperation among state governments, there is increase in sharing of intelligence among the state police forces and as was decided in the last chief ministers'''' conference, state governments are cooperating with each other to try and see how best
operations on the border, both bilateral and trilateral junction, are being carried out," he said.

Source ANI

New Delhi: The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, will leave for a landmark visit to United States today.

On Sunday, his entourage will reach Washington from Geneva.  He will be received at the Andrews Air Force base.

US President Barack Obama will welcome Dr. Singh to the White House on Tuesday morning as the first State Guest of his presidency.

The State Dinner is scheduled for Tuesday evening; soon after his ceremonial welcome at the White House, the first meeting between the two leaders in the United States and a press conference.

Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will host a lunch for Dr. Singh. He will also deliver an address to the Council for Foreign Relations and meet the Indian community in Washington during his four-day visit.

He will leave for Port-of-Spain to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHOGM) summit on November 26.

The visit to Washington is expected to highlight the strong and growing strategic partnership between the United States and India, and the friendship between the American and Indian people.

Source ANI

Geneva: India is to get state of the art surveillance gear as part of its counter-terror cooperation with US.

Both countries are expected to move forward on counter-terrorism initiatives, the scope of which will be enlarged.

India had requested for a particular type of surveillance equipment from the US through which it could detect the actual location from where messages or information was being transmitted.

Sources said that on this matter and more there is going to be a substantial increase in scope, and added that not much was discussed on 26/11 (the Mumbai terror attack incident).

They said that India has stated its point and was waiting to hear from Washington.

They said the US is aware about the Indian position that there is no “Good Taliban” or “Bad Taliban”.

India, the sources also said, feels that democratic forces in Afghanistan should be strengthened to neutralize the influence and reach of the Taliban.

At the moment, they said, there is no request from the US for India to increase its presence in Afghanistan.

“India is not interested in any military role in the region. That is not our policy. But they (the US) haven’t even asked us for help in training their police. But, there is recognition of India’s role in the region. India, being a part of UN security forces, is not visualized for the moment. There is plan for huge defense procurement. The Prime Minister’s first meeting is with (Defense) Secretary Gates. A joint statement is envisaged on the issue,” the sources said.

What might come up for discussions on talks on counter terrorism are terrorism, finance, money laundering, capacity building, and expanded information sharing,” they added.

The two sides are also expected to identify measures to strengthen institutional linkages leading to closer interaction and cooperation.

Source ANI

New Delhi: India and Kazakhstan have both been affected by the global recession, but this has not prevented them from striving to keep bilateral business ties alive since January of this year, when the meltdown was at its devastating peak.

The business end of this strategic relationship has covered cooperation in several areas, including energy, civil nuclear activity, science and technology, space, pharmaceuticals and information technology. Travel and tourism has also emerged as a potential area for cooperation, and in this context, the Indian capital, New Delhi, played host to the four-day IVth Kazakhstan-India Travel and Tourism Fair, which concludes today.

Addressing honchos of the Indian travel and tourism trade at the Le Meridian Hotel here on Friday evening, Kairat Akhmetalim, Charge D’ Affaire of the Embassy of Kazakhstan in India said it was a good tradition to regularly hold tourism and travel gatherings. He said this event reflected the high level of cooperation that has existed between his country and India in these two sectors since 2006.

“Both Kazakhstan and India are witness to outward and inward tourist flows. Today’s event provides another opportunity to promote Kazakhstan as a tourism-friendly destination. The Government of Kazakhstan has identified the tourism sector for priority promotion,” Akhmetalim said.

He also gave an overview of developments taking place in Kazakhstan, both in the Eurasian and global context.

J.P. Shaw, Deputy Director-General in the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, said there were a lot of similarities between the two countries vis-à-vis tourism products and potential. The Indian Government, he said, was using its existing infrastructure to develop and promote tourism products through its 14 offices abroad and 18 in India.

With “Incredible India” as the Ministry of Tourism’s signature theme, Mr. Shaw said that despite the recession, the GOI is quite optimistic about achieving its goals in the tourism sector, both domestically and externally.

He also acknowledged the drop in tourist arrivals in 2009 (-7 percent), the drop in foreign exchange earnings (FEE) from 507 billion rupees in 2008 to 424 billion rupees in 2009.

However, he said, the impact of tourism on the Indian economy can never be underestimated, as it provides nine percent of employment; 49.8 million direct and indirect jobs and contributes six percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Insofar as the action taken to counter the global meltdown, Mr. Shaw said the GOI has initiated a liberalization of market development assistance schemes, launched aggressive marketing campaigns and road shows in key source markets, organized familiarization tours and declared 2009 as the Visit India Year. As a result, he said FEE’s were presently at 18percent.

Shaw also said emphasis was also being placed on promoting rural tourism through 150 designated sites, and made a mention of the initiatives that are being taken to make the Commonwealth Games in Delhi as the signature tourism event of 2010.

Shakira Adibekova, Deputy Director of the Kazakhstan Tourist Association (KTA), spoke about the high level of cooperation between Kazakhstan and India in the tourism sector, and how over the last decade, the KTA has been actively promoting the hotel and tourism industry. She also gave a round-up of Kazakhstan’s tourism potential. A particular focus of her presentation was the fact that Indian inbound tourist arrivals to Kazakhstan has dropped by almost half since 2007, while outward tourist flows from Kazakhstan to India were on the rise. She said that in 2009, Indian tourist arrivals were a little over 700, while more than 1200 Kazakh tourists had visited India in the January-October 2009 period.

Richard Ledger, Director (Sales) Air Astana and Virender Teotia, General Sales Agent for Air Astana in India also spoke on the occasion and revealed their intention to build brand awareness of the airline in India with a focus on leisure tourism.

The evening ended with a video presentation on the many aspects of Kazakhstan, reflecting its image as a tourism friendly destination.

Source ANI

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and U.S. President Barack Obama are reportedly putting pressure on their respective teams on the nuclear issue in the hope of completing the final stages of the over four-year-old civil nuclear cooperation deal as fast as possible.

According to sources, it is Prime Minister Singh’s special concern. He is reported to be in touch with his team almost on a daily basis, and according to them, just one-and-a-half points remain to be covered.

The deal is in its last stretch, as a high-powered team is already in Washington working towards its finalization.

Source ANI

The United States has agreed to give India crucial information regarding the involvement of one accomplice of terror suspects Tahawwur Hussain Rana and David Coleman Headley in connection with the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack case or another India-related terror plot. The accomplice is said to be either of Pakistan origin or residing in Pakistan.

This was conveyed by US Central Intelligence Agency Chief Leon Panetta during his meetings with the Indian security establishment, sources said.

Panetta, as per sources, also shared India''''s view that Pakistan was not moving with earnest on the 26/11 case. He said some elements in the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) were actually shielding and aiding terror elements.

Panetta said clearly all elements in the ISI were not on board on the terror war. He also said that the South Waziristan operations were going on okay, but in the north, the situation was not positive.

On Afghanistan, Panetta said the US is worried about how strong the Karzai Government is in terms of continuing its support for military operations. He, however, expressed optimism that the situation would improve in twelve to eighteen months.

Panetta also said that they were in for a long haul.

Sources said there has apparently been no request made to India about undertaking any military role in Afghanistan. There wasn’t even a request made for training the Afghan police force or for assistance under UN peacekeeping operations.

Source ANI

Jammu: Director General of Police Kuldeep Khudda on Saturday said there has been a considerable decline in the militancy-related incidents in Jammu and Kashmir.

Speaking to media men here, Kuldeep Khudda, Director General of Police said militancy-related violence has dropped by almost 23 percent this year. He informed there was a 38 percent drop last year, the lowest in 19 years, but added that he was hopeful of further improvement in the situation this year.

"When terrorism is on some incidences do happen overall we have seen as has been the case in the year 2007-2008. 2007 had the lowest ever number of incidents after that stage 2008 further improved the situation we had about 38 percent drop in terrorist violence and it was the lowest ever for those 19 years and this year also we had witnessed a drop of around 23-24 percent over the last year again hopefully this year will end with the lowest ever terrorist violence," Kuldeep Khudda said.

Source ANI

Bastar: Chhattisgarh State has been badly affected Maoist menace in the recent past. Maoists have also targetted school buildings, blocking of roads, and are involved in many disruptive activities.

A large number of students in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar district on Saturday took out a protest recently against Maoists.

In the last eight years, the rebels have damaged more than 150 schools and hostels in only Bastar district of the state.

"Maoists damaged building of our school. This is hampering our studies. We are not being able to get proper education because of this," said Mahendra, a school student during the protest.

"We children have rights to study. Therefore, we must get a chance to get educated. Please let us study", said Gayatri, another student.

"My father was a brave person. He was willing to work wherever posted, be it Maoist infested region or a peaceful area. I am willing to work in police force like my father," said, Ashvini Mohanti, son of martyr constable Charmaroram Mohanti.

Maoists, who say they are fighting for the rights of poor farmers and landless labourers, are expanding their influence in east, central and southern India.

The rebels have ignored repeated calls to renounce violence and negotiate and stepped up their attacks in recent past months, prompting the government to go after them in a concerted strike.

Source ANI

Kanpur: The Indian and Sri Lankan cricket teams arrived in Kanpur on Saturday for the second Test starting on Tuesday at the Green Park stadium. 

Earlier in the first Test at Ahmedabad, Team India had faced a massive 334 runs deficit on first innings and was in danger of losing the match.

However, Master blaster Sachin Tendulkar and opener Gautam Gambhir helped the team score 412 runs and bat out the final day for a draw.

The Test also saw Tendulkar achieve another milestone by becoming the first batsman to complete 30,000 international runs.

The 36-year-old reached the milestone when he scored his 35th run in the second innings, where he went onto score his 43rd Test century. 

Sri Lankan is here for a full series — three Tests, five ODIs and two Twenty20s.

Source ANI

Ahmedabad: Sri Lankan opener Tillakaratne Dilshan and fast bowler Dammika Prasad suffering from fractured nose and a hamstring niggle respectively may not be able to take to the cricket field in the second Test against India to be played in Nagpur on Tuesday.

Dilshan reportedly suffered the injury during a practice session after colliding with a team-mate, when they were playing football, while Prasad pulled his hamstring muscle on the final day of the first Test at Ahmedabad, following which he could bowl only four overs.

Dilshan is a prolific run scorer for the Sri Lankan team, and had scored a century during the first Test.

While, Prasad was responsible for the early inroads into Team India first day misery. He had taken the wickets of Indian skipper MS Dhoni and middle order batsman VVS Laxman.

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Varanasi: It is a moment that every girl waits for with great enthusiasm. And, for the 22 orphan girls in Varanasi, that moment came on Friday when the district administration helped them solemnize their marriage in a mass wedding.

The aim of the ceremony was to help the destitutes, who were separated from their parents at a very young age.

“We select prospective bridegrooms through a definite process and a lot of deliberations after these girls attain marriageable age. Public donations play a huge role in making the ceremony a success. The ceremony is performed with fervour and gaiety,” said Nalin Awashti, Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Varanasi.

Both brides and bridegrooms were decked-up in their fineries. Brides had smeared their palms with mehendi, had bangles in their wrists and had put on red attire, while bridegrooms were in suites, befitting the occasion.

“I am very happy. I have forgotten my past life and I want to forget the rest of it. I was separated from my parents at a tender age. I have been transferred here from another institute from Mumbai,” said Varsha, a bride.

After the function, the marriages were registered under the Hindu marriage Act of 1973.

The grooms and brides also expressed their gratitude for the help and support provided to them by the administration.

Source ANI

Rajouri: Restoration work on the historical Mughal road in Jammu and Kashmir, which links Kashmir Valley with Rajouri district in Jammu Division, is expected to be completed soon despite heavy snowfall.

Jammu and Kashmir Roads and Buildings Minister G.M Saroori on Saturday said that the work was being carried out uninterrupted despite the heavy snowfall being witnessed in the State.

“I congratulate the people of Rajouri, that even in such low temperature the restoration work on Mughal Road is uninterrupted,” G.M Saroori said.

Saroori had visited the site of renovation project on Friday along with Minister for Forest and Environment Mian Altaf and Minister of State Shabbir Ahmad accompanied.

The minister also asked the engineers to work hard and ensure completion of the projects early in view of the limited working season and the importance of the road.

With the completion of the road, new places of tourist interest will be accessible for visitors.

Source ANI

New Delhi: Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama on Saturday said that China wants a Dalai Lama of China''s Tibet or a Chinese version of Tibetan Buddhism, which he said was very strange.

“I think China wants Dalai Lama of China''s Tibet or China''s Tibetan Buddhism. This is very strange,” said Dalai Lama here on the sidelines of a function in the capital. 

Nobel Laureate Dalai Lama on this occasion expressed hope that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who left today for the United States on a State visit, would discuss Tibet issue with the U.S. President Barack Obama.

He, however, added that he was well aware of the limitations of New Delhi and Washington,

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh''s three-day state visit, starts on November 23.

"I am quite sure whatever [will] the prime minister can do [something]; can appeal [to] something to his friend, he will do. I have no worry. Then, of course, we should be practical...so government of India and United States have also some limitations. That''s also is there. That''s a reality," Dalai Lama said here on the sidelines of inaugurating a hospital ward.

Dalai Lama, meanwhile also appreciated the U.S. President Obama on holding talks with his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao and others and hoped that it could be that they discussed Tibet.

"He (Barack Obama) actually, I think, publicly and behind scenes, [I think] he really talk(ed) with Chinese leaders very seriously about Tibetan issue. So, that I must appreciate," said Dalai Lama.

Source ANI

Gangtok: An exhibition on cultural heritage of Manipur was recently held at Sikkim State Archives in Gangtok.

The exhibition, which commenced on November 16 and concluded on November 20, was organized by the Manipur State Museum Arts and Culture Department in collaboration with Sikkim Cultural Affair and Heritage Department.

It exhibited the cultural heritage of Manipur, including the ethnic tribes of the State from 33AD to the 18th century.

Y. Binita Devi, Assistant Curator of the Manipur State Museum in Imphal, said that the exhibition was aimed at bringing Manipur and Sikkim together by highlighting the cultural bonds.

“We have brought this exhibition to the scenic beauty of Sikkim to highlight the culture of Manipur. So, we can interact with the cultural heritage of Sikkim and Manipur, to bring integration, peace and harmony and also preserve the cultural heritage for the future,” Devi said.

The exhibits included Buddhist artifacts recovered from excavations, royal utensils, Meitei jewellery, tribal clan sword and ancient artworks and paintings.
The exhibition was widely appreciated by the people of Sikkim.

“For the first time, such an exhibition has been held in Sikkim. It at least depicts Manipur''s culture and we also can have some idea about the culture and tradition of Manipur,” said Dilip Kumar, a local resident.

Source ANI

New Delhi: Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama on Saturday expressed hope that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who left today for the United States on a State visit, would discuss Tibet issue with the U.S. President Barack Obama.

Nobel Laureate Dalai Lama, however, added that he was well aware of the limitations of New Delhi and Washington,

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh''s three-day state visit, starts on November 23.

"I am quite sure whatever [will] the prime minister can do [something]; can appeal [to] something to his friend, he will do. I have no worry. Then, of course, we should be practical...so government of India and United States have also some limitations. That''s also is there. That''s a reality," Dalai Lama said here on the sidelines of inaugurating a hospital ward.

Dalai Lama, meanwhile also appreciated the U.S. President Obama on holding talks with his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao and others and hoped that it could be that they discussed Tibet.

"He (Barack Obama) actually, I think, publicly and behind scenes, [I think] he really talk(ed) with Chinese leaders very seriously about Tibetan issue. So, that I must appreciate," said Dalai Lama.

Source ANI

Jodhpur: At least three people were injured and properties worth millions were gutted following a fire in a building which houses the National Handloom Corporation Showroom in Jodhpur on Saturday.

Several fire tenders were pressed into service to put out the flames.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, who came to take stock of the situation, said that he would stop construction of commercial buildings in the residential areas.

“The people are renting their houses in residential areas, which then are converted into shops, which should not be there. We are going to prevent it,” Gehlot said.

The cause of the fire could not be ascertained.

Source ANI

Nainital: Following various incidents of mishaps due to accidents or vehicles falling off the high cliff into the deep gorges, accident-prone hillside roads are being fenced with bamboo along Kathgodam-Nainital National Highway in Nainital.

The initiative Bamboo bio-fencing has come up as a pilot project of the Forest Department of Nainital.

Under the project, the Forest department and the Department of Transportation will plant bamboo along the roads of Kathgodam Nainital National Highway to prevent road mishaps.

"On this road to Kathgodam hillside roads vehicles fall into gorges frequently, keeping this in mind we aim to minimize vehicular accidents and the loss of life and property, which results from such mishaps. Bamboo bio fencing is being done on the slope-side of the roads. Plantation will be done in three columns; one above the other, to avoid loss of life and property." said Parag Madhurkar Divisional forest officer (DFO), Terai Central Forest Division.

According to the authorities, frequency of mishaps is very high on 250 identified risk zones on the spiral hill roads.  Forest authorities are giving priority to Government figures that show 500 fatalities and above 1000 injuries resulting from the road mishaps on spiral roads every year.

Bamboo is chosen for the bio fencing as it can create impenetrable mesh to keep vehicles from falling into the deep gorges.

Forest department authorities hope the bio fence will develop enough strength to offer resistance to crashing vehicles, once it gets developed enough in about two years.

As the barren hill roads sides will be covered by green bio fence, authorities believe that bio fencing will prove to be eco-friendly.

Nainital will be the first to present the model of bio fencing in the Uttarakhand State. Authorities believe that if this experiment proves successful succeeds, it will provide a breakthrough in high altitude area.

Source ANI